UPSC Prelims 2022 Q84: Environment & Ecology – Renewable Energy & Green Technologies
Consider the following statements:
1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India.
2. Kerala has a fully solar powered International Airport.
3. Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Answer: (b) 2 only
Explanation
India's solar records (as of 2022)
| Statement | Verdict | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Gujarat has the largest solar park | Incorrect | The largest was Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan (about 2,245 MW) |
| 2. Kerala has a fully solar-powered international airport | Correct | Cochin International Airport became the world's first fully solar-powered airport in 2015 |
| 3. Goa has the largest floating solar project | Incorrect | The largest floating plant was NTPC Ramagundam in Telangana (100 MW, 2022) |
Large solar sites to know:
| Project | State |
|---|---|
| Bhadla | Rajasthan |
| Pavagada | Karnataka |
| Ramagundam floating | Telangana |
| Omkareshwar floating | Madhya Pradesh (under construction) |
Answer: (b) 2 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 is wrong; the largest solar park was Bhadla in Rajasthan.
- (b) CORRECT. Cochin International Airport in Kerala is fully solar-powered (2015).
- (c) Incorrect. Neither claim is right: Bhadla (Rajasthan) and Ramagundam (Telangana) held those records.
- (d) Incorrect. The largest floating solar plant was Ramagundam in Telangana, not Goa.
Key point
Cochin Airport (Kerala): world's first fully solar airport (2015). Bhadla (Rajasthan): largest solar park. Ramagundam (Telangana): largest floating solar (2022).
Remember
Cochin = solar airport; Bhadla = solar park; Ramagundam = floating solar.
Common mistakes
- Assuming Gujarat leads in solar parks; Gujarat's Charanka was early but smaller than Bhadla.
- Attributing large floating projects to coastal Goa; they are built on reservoirs inland.
- Forgetting Cochin as the world's first fully solar-powered airport.
Exam tip
Solar superlatives change fast, so check the year of the question and learn the record-holder for that year.
Sources
- Ministry of New and Renewable Energy — Solar Parks Scheme
- Cochin International Airport Ltd — Solar power project (2015)